Cosmetics industry pushes back against social media claims that hyaluronic acid harms skin
After years as one of skincare's most trusted ingredients, hyaluronic acid has recently faced accusations on social media of drying out skin. Cosmetics manufacturers have dismissed these claims as false.
For years, hyaluronic acid was regarded as one of the most valuable ingredients in facial skincare, with hydrating serums containing the substance remaining popular among consumers. Recently, however, its reputation on social media has shifted — from a trusted ally in skin care to, according to some content creators, a potential threat.
What changed
Self-proclaimed skincare experts have emerged on social media platforms, including Instagram, raising concerns about hyaluronic acid's effect on skin. Their central claim is that the substance dries out skin rather than hydrating it, contradicting the ingredient's traditional reputation. Such statements have caused concern among users who regularly use products containing hyaluronic acid.
Industry response
Cosmetics manufacturers have responded critically to these claims, calling the warnings spread on social media unfounded and describing them as false. Industry representatives emphasize that these are hysterical and misleading statements that do not reflect how the products actually perform.
The dispute reflects a broader trend in which social media increasingly becomes a space where discussions about the safety and effectiveness of beauty products form and spread, often based not on scientific evidence but on the personal opinions of individual content creators. This dynamic can create confusion for consumers, who must decide whether to trust a product's long-standing reputation or fast-moving social media trends.
As the debate continues, the cosmetics industry is urging consumers to critically evaluate information seen on social media and to avoid trusting unverified claims that lack supporting evidence.
